Budget Bobber Build #23 | 17 Tooth (17t) Front Sprocket Swap (17/45 Ratio) & Test Ride Virago XV250

In this episode we install a 17 tooth +1 tooth front sprocket on Gilby the Yamaha XV250, Virago 250, V-star 250 or Route 66. To make the gearing taller and the bike more ride-able.
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[@jeffwass8268]

i got pioneer torro, 17 tooth on front and i must say it does improve the bike

[@iRidetas]

Yup i was stoked with the change! 😁

[@brayankuwait6007]

iRidetas where is the country

[@iRidetas]

Australia

[@brayankuwait6007]

iRidetas wow. nice country.i like that too much. and i have a virago 250...

[@iRidetas]

Its a beautiful country. I live on the island of Tasmania and they are some of the best roads in thd world 😁

[@dustypaint]

hey man thank you so much for these videos, can't find any good video guides for small cc bikes especially when every mainstream biker influencer has 1000cc bikes... Then I've found you and keep watching your honest work is my new hobby 😂 Anyways I need to ask several questions and want to know what are you thinking, 1) there is a huge wobbling when I accelwrate beyond 100 km/h as if somebody is holding back my bike from the sissy bar 😂 Clutch plate was recently replaced so its not a friction problem. I feel like I need to release the throttle when it wobbles and gotta keep my speed at/below 95 km/h, otherwise it feels scary. Do you think there is too much air into carb? Also want to change the sprocket, but mostly to keep my speed comfortable during 2-3 hour long rides and dont wanna break my bikes limit. 2) my bike wants to lean to the right when I take my hands off, so do you think my rear wheel is unaligned? I have dropped on the right side when a stupid cab driver suddenly performed break test. Also leaning feels scary and I feel like I am not fully on contact with the road, feels like imbalanced. But nothing seems weird or unusual and been riding like this for a month now

[@iRidetas]

Mate, a lot to unpack here but zero handling issue come from to much air in the carb if thats what your asking. If by wobble you mean a stutter then yes carb could be to lean. And this would make sense as you sound like you are hitting a wall at wide open throttle. Sounds like you need to check wheel alignment front and rear, make sure your spacers are in between fork and hub and the nut that secure your forks downward on the top tripple tree is tight. If the bike has been dropped things could also be bent. As the bike shouldnt do what you are saying. Tbo If your asking these questions I would seriously suggest you get it checked by a shop as a death wobble can be exactly that...deadly. if the bike is not handling and wants to flop over as you say its not right and needs to be fixed. i cant fix your bike sorry in the comments here. But again i would strongly advise you to get it looked at mate. Take care

[@roydean3140]

Hey IRT Roy from George Town...I'm doing an 18/40 and I was wondering how many links I should do on the new chain. What would you recommend?

[@iRidetas]

Try this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ6xgoaPisqJoZo

[@gwick55]

I may just start with the 17t front sprocket, but am interested in the 42t rear as well. That being said, my wife will ride with me once and a while. I wonder if the gearing will be too high for two riders. I guess that I could always go to a 43t rear instead. Your thoughts?

[@iRidetas]

Start with 17t front its a noticable change and try it 2up. Then try 42t or 43t i wouldnt go lower myself to have a pillion

[@gwick55]

@@iRidetas Thanks for your input! Much appreciated!

[@difarr1618]

Hi... question. Is it normal to have play at the top of the front sprocket? Mine moves about 1/4" towards and away from the motor.

[@iRidetas]

Yeah mine had play, it sounds pretty common. I've never heard of issues associated with it!

[@retrorewindllc9363]

Hey also did u have to un hook the rear brake cable & the arm?

[@iRidetas]

Everything i did is in the video mate! Pretty sure the slider was enough but it was couole years ago and many bikes

[@bigLbubbler]

I know im a bit late for this..but i have a virago xv125 what would you recommend i change my sprockets to? I believe its 17-47 at the moment. Thanks!!

[@iRidetas]

I dont know mate sorry, no experience with the xv125!

[@bigLbubbler]

No worries thanks for the replay...Great bobber videos by the way👍👍👍

[@iRidetas]

Thanks mate!

[@Devilmaycry4thewin]

Hey man, thanks again for the advice, I took a day off today and changed the sprocket. at first I felt no to little change to first gear, but 2nd, 3rd and 4th are so much better! Used to have to change between 3rd and 4th through town constantly, but now I can cruise in 3rd. Best and cheapest investment, thanks again mate.

[@iRidetas]

Glad it worked out for you

[@caseysghost20]

I'm looking at doing this on a 98 Honda Rebel 125. I find myself in 5th in no time at all. Does this increase the top speed at all?

[@iRidetas]

Marginal top speed increase but more usability in all gears. Highly reccomend!

[@dazthejazz1640]

I've just been researching this! I have a 92 XV250 that I bought as half done neglected mess that I've mostly finished and now have it on club reg. Can you post a link to where you bought the sprocket from? And thanks for this series, I've gotten so much from it.

[@iRidetas]

rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com.au%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F191677614256

[@iRidetas]

Thanks mate good luck with your build!

[@ubiquity069]

Mate just finished my bike this morning and the 17 Tooth front it is awesome and definitely give you better reach in each gear. I am a late bloomer. Got my bike license at 48 and I am enjoying my XV250 immensely :) Great video !!

[@iRidetas]

Thanks mate! It makes a big difference

[@Xmunchiexx]

Hey mate. I've had the same setup as you for a few months now. (17T front 40T back) I noticed two drawbacks. It reduced my fuel economy and 5th lacks a little top end power. It does need a service, but have definitely noticed that while the engine comfortably sits at higher speeds now and the range in the city is much better, it struggles more on hills with 5th. Have you had the same thing? If so, did you find a solution? I find it leaving me with just a bit to be desired in terms of torque at top gear.

[@iRidetas]

No on the ecconomy mate, found it better but, i did find you needed to drop back to fourth more on some hills to put it in the powerband more but was fine with that. Cheers

[@OldManTony]

Is there no nut on the front sprocket? That’s usually the most difficult thing about a sprocket change, getting the bugger undone!

[@iRidetas]

Nope no massive nut which was a gift! Made it super easy! 😁

[@terryweathers1467]

I just finished my bike well got it to drive ability. Need to do this .to my bike

[@Doticaster]

Sweeeet man. A more rideable bike for sure, probably smoother to yeh. Tcrs fella ✊

[@iRidetas]

Thanks doti was a great change. Looking forward to getting the rear sprocket on! 😁

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

That's a great swap. I winder why they don't gear them better from the get go.

[@iRidetas]

Haha think every virago owner wonders that!! Cheers mate! 😁

[@RidinCountry]

“Little bit of fiddling around ”... story of my life!! 😉 a rideable bike is a good thing!!! Look at Gilby rippin’ it!!! 👊👊Good learns mate! 👊👍

[@RidinCountry]

Realistically, how far up could you go on Gilby?

[@iRidetas]

I wouldnt go any taller than 17/38 which is over 20% taller than stock i reckon 17/40 will be perfect! Looking forward to getting the rear sprocket on.

[@iRidetas]

LOL 😁😁😁 Gilby was much more rideable and cruiseable was a real win! 😁

[@jamesmartin8999]

That was a fantastic video..very well explained and the actual work reguired to change sprocket.plus the ride showing the difference it makes.my sister has 500 royal enfield always been bit high for her ...she now has 2006 250 virago love bike so low and comfortable to ride...she does miss power of enfield and the note it made...after watching your video recon if i did same as you have done ,will make her riding heaps more fun plus as you said better rev range in lower gears...so big thank you for your excellent video...whom do i order sprocket from on ebay..regards jimmy.

[@iRidetas]

Thanks for the kind words. Try this one too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZ6xgoaPisqJoZo I honestly think if she went 17/40t she wouldn't be disappointed. It makes it feel like a much bigger bike! Cheers

[@jesusrios9630]

do you have to loosen the back side when changing the sprocket?

[@iRidetas]

Either that or have to break the chain.

[@Devilmaycry4thewin]

Hey mate, another question but what were those cans of spray there? And did you know how tight to make those bolts? As it doesn't look like you used a torque wrench. Only reason I'm asking is because a mates garage is saying $250 including sprocket to change. Or I can do it myself with a $25 sprocket, except I've only changed filters and oil as the only "tinkering" I've done. Other servicing I've taken to the shop.

[@iRidetas]

Spray = degreeser Tight + 1/4 turn is a good rule of thumb I use.

[@Devilmaycry4thewin]

@@iRidetas thanks man! Keen to get to it. Ordered the sprocket, so I'll fit it next weekend

[@iRidetas]

Its an easy job! Good luck

[@gwick55]

I noticed that you have the same rear spool stand that I bought from Harbor Freight Tools. I wanted a slightly different one than that one which has flat rubber coated pads for the swing arms to rest on, but I can't find it at several of their stores. So, I saw that you were able to make this model work for you, and I will give it a try as well. Changing out the 16t to a 17t sprocket, and then perhaps a 42 in back to help with hilly terrain instead of a 40t rear.

[@iRidetas]

17t / 42t is a great all round combo. Thats whats on the bike now!

[@ililililililillilili]

Thanks for the video mate! I'm catching up on all the bobber build videos and loving them. I'm a little late to the party and the ebay link is down, do you have a suitable alternative to link? Appreciate it

[@iRidetas]

Mate just type in xv250 17t sprocket into Ebay!!!!

[@JomainBelmont]

Hey man! Loving these series! I'm planning to do this to mine soon, trying it out just with the front one and maybe changing the rear one later on if needed. Would this mod be good even if I normally carry a passenger with me on highway trips? I'm also thinking about getting a K&N high-flow filter, would that work too? I want to cruise as smoothly as possible while keeping up with the bigger bikes!

[@iRidetas]

Yup bang for buck 17t front is the best mod for this bike! If you carry a pillion it may be to much to go taller on the back! This doesn't make your bike faster just cruise better

[@outoftouch99]

my 1994 is really slow off the line what ratio should i use to get off the line quicker? thanks

[@iRidetas]

They are all slow off the line as its a 250 but I wouldn't mess up the gearing by going -1 on the front which would make it quicker as it would be pretty ordinary at 100 etc.

[@outoftouch99]

@@iRidetas its retard slow off the line i dont ride the freeway with it i have other faster bikes just want to pull away from trafic faster ,thanks for the vids mate leart a heep from ya

[@ptrisonic]

How does the 17/45 ratio affect the Speedo? Thanks, Pete.

[@iRidetas]

It doesnt speedo drive on front wheel!

[@craigrodgers3691]

You use the standard 114 link chain??

[@iRidetas]

Yes mate, it's all in the video. Standard chain, I cut links when I swap the rear sprocket! Cheers

[@angelmendoza2671]

I just order my 17 th jt sprocket really i could use longer gears

[@iRidetas]

17t makes a huge difference

[@angelmendoza2671]

So i did and yes the gears are longer but it doesnt go pass 80 mph like i have no power on 5 th gear i understand 5 th is for cruising but it just feels no power at all on 5th and doesnt pass the 80mph mark any ideas?

[@dimitrischioumas6505]

Do you see any performance difference?is it worth it?

[@rosekaiotii1367]

17/40 and it changed the game for me.

[@iRidetas]

Makes a big difference!

[@spokes1355]

Awesome taz that was the first mod I did to little red.

[@iRidetas]

Well worth it. Best mod bang for buck! 😁

[@jarrod300zx]

Videos are always great 👍

[@iRidetas]

Cheers mate, this was a game changing swap for the bike!

[@sun6v546]

Very good job , Mite ........... You said what you did . Did you say , what was the previos Front Sprocket like ..... 13 ......14 ..... 20 .... 21...... ??? Thanx Mite .

[@iRidetas]

....not...sure....what you are asking....sorry mate. Its +1 on stock if that is what you are after.

[@LuisRamirez-ex6yy]

Hi. I'm worried about what do you mean about "cruise better" or "more rideable". I want to make a sprocket mod but I looking for more top speed on 5th.

[@iRidetas]

🤣 as I said a sprocket swap isn't going to turn your 250 into a sportster. More top speed is reliant on more HP less drag etc. Its not just about gearing

[@chopracer]

can i make faster 0-60mph/0-100kmh time with this gearing?

[@iRidetas]

No better cruising.

[@kutsu.no.customs]

Would you still recommend this mod if you’re mainly commuting around town? Just want to ask because the acceleration is quite good on the bike now at it is but you mentioned it may decrease it?

[@iRidetas]

I would reccomend this mod full stop! Any where or how this is the mod to do for this bike

[@Benjamin-vi7ff]

Can you change the front sprocket without a rear wheel stand?

[@iRidetas]

You may but getting equal tension on each side when adjusting the chain is pretty important so it doesn't crab.

[@Benjamin-vi7ff]

@@iRidetas Thanks sir! Went ahead and bought a stand. Do you remember what is the torque needed for the bolts on the sprocket?

[@iRidetas]

Nope, didn't use a torque wrench tight plus one quarter turn

[@Benjamin-vi7ff]

@@iRidetas Thanks, finished this all up but since I install front sprocket, I have been noticing a noise. A whirring sound or maybe some sprocket/chain loud sound. Have you noticed a change in noise from front sprocket?

[@iRidetas]

Nope never! Check chain isn't to loose or tight or it's not rubbing on the sprocket cover etc.

[@Devilmaycry4thewin]

hey dude love the vids but I just wanna know if changing the front sprocket will affect the speedo's reading? I have a mate who changed his front sprocket on his Honda and now when his speedo is saying 100km/h on mine it's saying 110km/h. I also have a v star 250 and looking to improve 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears.

[@iRidetas]

If the spped is taken off front wheel no worries if it's taken of crank or other spits it can upset it. From memory an xv250 is front wheel! Cheers

[@Devilmaycry4thewin]

Awesome! Thanks man

[@elmariachy5803]

Top speed on that last gear?!

[@iRidetas]

135 ish

[@elmariachy5803]

@@iRidetas 135 km/h?!

[@iRidetas]

Of course, imperial doesnt even enter my head mate, cant even visulaise what a mile looks like.

[@elmariachy5803]

@@iRidetas and with 17/38 on the other video you make, top speed plz?! Ty!

[@iRidetas]

Not a massive difference in top speed its more at what rpm it cruises at therefore how comfy the bike is to ride. The taller gearing makes it feel like a much more adult bike but it doesnt make it quicker. Its only a 250 its limited by power and torque

[@angelmendoza2671]

What can i do to increase more hp on my 250 v star

[@iRidetas]

Rejet carbs, free flow inlet and exhaust

[@retrorewindllc9363]

Hey do u have to drain the oil when changing the front sprocket?

[@iRidetas]

Sorry xv250 no

[@retrorewindllc9363]

@@iRidetas great thanks for letting me know, I couldn't find that out anywhere lol. Glad to know don't have to drain the oil. I just ordered my 17 tooth sprocket & rebel shocks, I have an 09 vstar xv250, it's same as virago. My 1st bike & recently got it, needs sum love so all your vids on this series has been such a huge help!!!

[@iRidetas]

Cheers 17t is best bang for buck mod enjoy

[@Its2084]

13 front/ 42 rear. BRAAAAAAP

[@iRidetas]

Braaap till you hit 25km/hr 🤣🤣

[@Its2084]

@@iRidetas LOL yeah I would be curious to see what happens on that bike. I have a KLX 250 I put in that setup for off road and it gave me a lot of torque and I know I can go at least 45mph still.

[@FatBoy740]

Morning mate 🍺....pizza delivery scooter 😂😂. God it’s been years since I changed sprockets mate , But like you say it’s DEFINITELY Worth doing 👍. Looks like it’s working a treat mate 👍. Good job 👍🍺👊🍺👊

[@iRidetas]

Thanks mate was an easy swap and on this bike gives such a massive improvement! 😁 No huge nut to wrestle from the sprocket was handy too! 😁

[@FatBoy740]

iRidetas wouldn’t mind doing the fatty but it’s a heap of messing about so I’ll just stick to the useless first gear 😂😂😂😂👍👍🍺🍺👊

[@johnkallinikos4635]

I'm thinking of doing this to my bike now but I weigh around 185lb give or take and sometimes have a passenger, would this be better at 17/45 than say 17/40 given the added passenger weight from time to time? or would I be better off going with the 17/42? Also, I tend to ride solo 95% of the time but I do alot of highway riding, would the 17/45 combo drop the revs and improve the highway performance at 100-120km? Also, love your videos man, they've been sooooo helpful, I just threw on some slash cut pipes on mine and it sounds like a badass panhead now, love it! lol

[@iRidetas]

I have no real idea about how heavy 185lb is sorry mate but I'd say start with 17/45 which makes a huge difference, after that maybe 17/42 could be the go! I would reccomend that for heavier riders or hilly terrain 👍 cheers

[@lqddancer6]

@@iRidetas Thanks man!! I put in an order for a 17t sprocket, should have it by Thursday. Can I use my existing chain with it like you did in the video or would you recommend getting a new chain? I bought my bike last summer but upon looking it over it’s a new heavy duty chain so it’d be good to keep it if I can

[@iRidetas]

My 17t fit with the stock chain no worries! 👍👍

[@lqddancer6]

@@iRidetas awesome, thanks man! And for doing this video series, it’s sooooo helpful! Cheers!